The Antonov An-84 RA-124 of the Russian cargo airline Volga-Dnepr Airlines, loaded with 82042 tons, had an accident this morning after a return landing at Novosibirsk airport. The machine was supposed to bring the freight destined for the automotive industry from Seoul (South Korea) to Vienna. For operational reasons, a planned stopover with a stay of several hours in the Siberian metropolis on the Ob was made. After the scheduled start of flight VDA 4066, however, problems arose during the climb, which led to the failure of the transponder signal and the radio link. The crew immediately decided to land back at Novosibirsk Airport, but the Antonov An-124 slipped about 200 meters beyond the end of the runway.

As reported by The Aviation Herald, citing local Russian sources, the aircraft, constructed in 1991, suffered damage to the landing gear, the wings and the engines. In particular, the Lotaryov D-18T engine # 2 did more damage. According to eyewitness reports and videos recorded after take-off, there was massive smoke development after take-off. Photos showing bird feathers in the engine blades are now being shared via Russian social networks. The West Siberian transport prosecutor's office immediately opened an investigation into the accident. The 14 crew members on board were taken to a hospital in Novosibirsk as a precaution, but were able to leave it without injuries.

The Antonov An-1982, which has been built since 124, is the largest mass-produced aircraft from Russian production with 56 completed so far. There are currently 18 active machines in civil use, mainly for the transport of goods weighing up to 150 tons or bulky freight. With ten Antonov An-124s, Volga-Dnepr Airlines is currently the largest civil operator.